This Week’s Not So Nasty News

. . . . from John, awaiting Nancy’s draft of her week’s news.

Item #1: Give live plantsThere is an estimate that in the United States, 100 million roses are grown, shipped and purchased for Valentine’s Day. I suggest giving a potted bush that might give joy for weeks or even years.
Here’s yours.

Item #2: Lake Erie

Lake Erie is nearly covered in ice. That is good news because open water on the lake can lead to much snow. Wind direction has been just right this season to send snow, measure in feet, to the town of Erie, PA. They might get more snow, but the snow job they have been getting – now over 12 feet – is over.
Even the very cold temperatures are relenting. By Valentine’s Day the region might be a balmy 45°F.

Item #3: The game is off

An Orcas Island WA basketball team forfeited a game and ended their season just as they were headed for the playoffs. This sounds like bad news, but read the rest of the story.LINK

Item #4: Career ends

Another sounds bad story from football. This regards long-snapper Jon Dorenbos, who played for the Eagles for 11 seasons, was traded to the New Orleans Saints in August. The physical required for the trade revealed an aortic aneurysm that required immediate surgery and ended Dorenbos’ football career at age 37.
Eagles owner called John and asked that he come to the Super Bowl.
The rest is here:LINK

Item #5: In the vinesCentral Washington’s February weather began with a relatively warm and dry period. The mid-day temperatures have been near 50. Next week’s weather looks to be the same sort.
Over at White Heron the grape vines need pruned.
Last year we started on the 16th – with snow on the ground.
This year we started on Tuesday, the 6th. No snow. One pruner has the flu, another is dog sitting. Thus we’ve only had 3 of us to start.